Six Kings Slam 2026 rescheduled to December: Here's why
Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic feature in the entry list
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The Six Kings Slam 2026 is arguably the richest competition in tennis currently. It is a six-player event held in Riyadh and is an exhibition event. It is played in an 8,000-seat arena built for the tournament. The 2025 edition carried $13.5 million in prize money.
This year’s edition comprises of Carlos Alcaraz, Alex de Minaur, Novak Djokovic, Taylor Fritz, Learner Tien and Alexander Zverev, with Tien being the latest addition replacing the injured Jannik Sinner.
Originally set for October 21 to 24, the Six Kings Slam 2026 event has been rescheduled to December 27 to 30. It will still take place in Riyadh. Turki Al-Sheikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, announced the change on Wednesday and cited “logistical reasons.”
The security situation sits behind that explanation. The postponement comes amid a sharp escalation between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis, who have launched scathing attacks on Riyadh in recent weeks.
A missile and drone attack on King Khalid International Airport on October 6 and 7 killed one person and injured eight, and a further strike on October 8 destroyed a Saudia Airbus A320.
The worst came on October 10, when Saudi authorities said at least 12 people were killed and more than 300 wounded in the third assault on the airport in a week.
The delay leaves a lot of questions unanswered about the field. Reports state that it remains unclear whether all six players will take part, since late December falls in the offseason and shortly before the Australian Open. Players would also have to give up their Christmas break to fly to Riyadh.
While the massive prize pool is too tempting to turn down, the six chosen players will have to make a tough decision: whether to prioritise rest and recovery for the 2027 season or push themselves to play the Riyadh event.
Why has the Six Kings Slam 2026 been postponed?
The exhibition tournament has been rescheduled due to safety concerns about the players amid the sharp escalation in conflict between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis.
When will the rescheduled Six Kings Slam 2026 take place?
The rescheduled tournament will now be held from December 27 30.
Which players are expected to participate at the Six Kings Slam 2026?
This year’s edition comprises of Carlos Alcaraz, Alex de Minaur, Novak Djokovic, Taylor Fritz, Learner Tien and Alexander Zverev, with Tien being the latest addition replacing the injured Jannik Sinner.
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